Any vehicle owner knows that car problems usually arise in the least convenient place or at the least convenient time. Of the many problems you can have with your car, one of the most common and frustrating is getting a flat tire. Save time and headaches with this step-by-step guide for what to do when you get a flat tire.
1. Move to a Safe Location
Driving with a flat tire is a recipe for disaster. If your car is parked in a driveway or parking lot when you realize you have a flat, you’re already in a safe place and can skip to the next step.
If you’re driving on the road when your tire goes flat, turn on your hazard lights, decelerate, and look for a place to park. A well-lit parking lot is ideal, but if you’re on the highway, the shoulder may have to do. Get far enough away from oncoming vehicles so that you or someone else can access the tire without putting yourself in danger.
2. Assess Your Tire
The next step in this guide for what to do when you get a flat is to inspect the tire. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, you can call AAA and arrange to have someone come and tow your vehicle.
Otherwise, you can step out to examine the tire. The flat will usually be evident, but you should still look at all the tires to be safe. If you hit a piece of debris or an obstacle in the road, it’s possible that other tires are damaged but not leaking as much air.
If multiple tires are flat or severely damaged, you need to call for help. Call AAA, a tow truck, or the emergency number on the back of your license. Until help arrives, sit in your vehicle as it’s the safest place to wait.
3. Change or Repair the Flat
If you have just one flat and feel confident doing so, you can change or repair the tire. What you should do depends on the size of the puncture.
For punctures or tears larger than a quarter of an inch in size, retrieve your spare tire. Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the vehicle. Exact instructions for jack points and the procedures you should follow vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for step-by-step instructions on how to replace your tire with a spare.
4. Visit a Tire Repair Shop
Whether you’ve called for help or put on the spare tire yourself, you need to visit a tire repair shop. Drive the car as little as possible and visit the shop immediately.
A technician will inspect the tire and see if it can be safely plugged. The technician might be able to repair the flat tire, but if the puncture is large or in the tire’s shoulder and sidewall, you will probably need a replacement.
